Millions oppose Heathrow plans

BARRY Nelson-West criticises Hillingdon Council (Gazette letters, February 11) for opposing the plans to expand Heathrow Airport.

A poll of residents conducted by the council showed that two thirds of those who responded were opposed to expansion so it would be most surprising if this were not the case.

A similar poll conducted by Richmond Council resulted in an even bigger majority against.

He also gives the impression that it is the only local authority to take this stance whereas in fact Hillingdon is but one of a consortium of 20 councils around Heathrow that form the 2M Group all of which are opposed to the further expansion of Heathrow.

The 2M in the title relates to the two million residents these councils represented when the group was first formed (it is now

nearer three million as more councils have since joined the group) a figure that completely dwarves his claim that 80,000 local people are in favour.

For good measure he then goes on to repeat the absurd claim that if Heathrow is not allowed to expand it will decline.

In fact there are numerous companies that neither grow nor decline but continue to prosper, why should they not?

Recently we have seen the example of Tesco and other major supermarket chains which, in trying to grow, have actually gone into decline.

Cancer cells are the only things in nature to display unrestricted growth and we all know what they lead to. PHILIP SHERWOOD Victoria Lane

Harlington